The games between Thompson Falls and Plains always mean a little more.

Turning in one of their more meaningful efforts of the season, the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks shook off a slow start and flew past the rival Trotters 57-28 in Thompson Falls Thursday.

Fighting for a top-four District 7B finish and automatic entry into the Western B divisional tournament in Ronan March 5-7, the Hawks host Troy Friday in their only game this week while the Trotters will host Noxon in a non-conference game Tuesday before entertaining Mission Friday and Eureka Saturday in a pair of 7B games.

Lady Hawk coach Mike Tessier was not concerned with his team’s slow start versus Plains. The Trotters seemed to control the tempo throughout the first quarter, which ended with the visiting Trotters nursing an 8-6 lead.

Thompson Falls took full control of the proceedings by winning the second quarter 14-6 and the third 17-5, building a 37-18 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

“This team is pretty seasoned, you know they are going to get it going eventually,” Tessier said, “and eventually they did. I think it is a testament to our defense, that may be the best we have played on that end all season.”

On the other end of the court, senior Gabi Hannum turned in another monster effort to lead the Hawk offense, posting a triple double of 21 points, 12 rebounds and an amazing total of 10 streals.

Addy Deal added 15 points, 11 boards, four steals and seven assists, Annalise Fairbank was good for 11 points, seven rebounds two steals and four assists, Solveig Nygaard, seven points, two rebounds, seven steals and three assists, Aubrey Baxter three points, five rebo7unds and three assists and Emma Claridge a rebound, two steals and two assists.

Hadyn Rice led Plains with 13 points, Katelyn Subatch scored seven more for the Trotters, Mila Rivinius three and Ava Lawyer and Taryn Meredith two apiece.

Plains coach Brooks Sanford took nothing away from the Hawks’ winning effort. “Yes, hats off to Thompson Falls,” he said. “They shot a very high percentage and got us sped up with their pressure.”

Sanford said the key for the Trotters is simple. “We need to handle pressure with confidence and value possession of the basketball,” he said. “When we do that, we are very competitive.”

    TROTTER SENIOR Katelyn Subatch shoots for two as Solveig Nygaard of Thompson Falls defends in Thompson Falls Thursday. Lady Hawks won 57-28. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)
  

    WHO’S GOT IT? Thompson Falls’ Annalise Fairbank and Plains’ Mila Rivinius vie for possession of the ball in Thompson Falls Thursday. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)